Among the different things and places that we visit during a trip in France as well as abroad, we often hear about Unesco and the sites listed as world heritage. But what does this mean exactly?
What is Unesco and what is its role ?
Unesco is “the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization” or to better fit the anagram “United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization” . Or Unesco.
This organization, which depends on the UN, was created on November 16, 1945 by twenty states following the disasters of the Second World War. Currently Unesco has 194 members and its headquarters is in Paris.
As for its purpose, as it is written in its statutes, it is to “to contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms which are affirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, by the Charter of the United Nations.”
The “Unesco World Heritage”.
Among the actions and the different axes developed by the institution exists since 1972 the notion of “Unesco’s World Heritage”. This designates all cultural and natural properties of exceptional interest for the common heritage of humanity.
Whether it is a question of material goods (monument, city, natural site, etc.), but also now immaterial (language, gastronomy, etc.), a list of this heritage exists and is updated each year during an international session.
In concrete terms, in addition to the promotion of the listed heritage, especially for tourism, the properties present can receive aid and other advantages for their maintenance and promotion.
On the other hand, there are also constraints, with precise specifications regarding the future of the property, including its architecture and development. If these are not respected, a listed property may be considered to be in “danger” and then even removed from the UNESCO list. Nevertheless, deletions remain very rare and, since the beginning, there have been only four effective de-listings.
The list of sites, monuments and other properties listed
At present, pending the next session, there are 1,154 properties around the world inscribed on Unesco’s World Heritage List. Of these, 897 are cultural properties, 218 are natural and 39 are a mixture of the two. They are present in 167 countries.
Of course, many world-famous or highly touristic places are included in this list. Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, the Galapagos Islands, Yellowstone Park, the site of Angkor, the old city of Dubrovnik and many other famous places are thus Unesco heritage sites.
At the level of the countries concerned, if almost all the members have at least one inscription, a dozen nevertheless truste a large part of this heritage with each one at least 30 classified sites.
It is Italy and its rich historical and cultural testimonies which is the first country rewarded by the Unesco with 58 sites, in front of the China (56) and Germany (51).
As for the France it is fourth (ex aequo with Spain) with 49 properties among which we find the Mont Saint-Michel, the Canal du Midi, several cathedrals, the Gulf of Porto in Corsica, Versailles, the City of Carcassonne, the Pont du Gard as well as a number of districts or monuments of various cities.
For more information: www.unesco.org
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.